Manitoba

Manitoba offers a striking mix of wildlife, wilderness and culture that is often overlooked but unforgettable once discovered. This central Canadian province stretches from open prairie to subarctic tundra, with vast boreal forests, shimmering lakes and rich Indigenous heritage in between.

Its most remarkable draw is the chance to see polar bears in the wild. In Churchill, along the shores of Hudson Bay, travellers can observe these majestic animals up close each autumn as they wait for the sea ice to form. In summer, beluga whales gather in their thousands in the same waters, a rare and memorable sight.

Beyond Churchill, Manitoba offers year-round adventure. Paddle through the still waters of Whiteshell Provincial Park, hike in Riding Mountain National Park or watch the Northern Lights from a remote lodge. Winnipeg, the capital, is a hub of arts, history and culture, home to The Forks Market, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and a thriving local food scene.

Throughout the province, there is a deep connection to the land and the people who have lived on it for millennia. Indigenous cultures remain strong, with opportunities to learn through guided experiences and community-led initiatives.

For those seeking authentic, raw and off-the-beaten-path experiences, Manitoba rewards in abundance.

Highlights of Manitoba

• Polar bear viewing in Churchill: Each autumn, the tundra around Churchill becomes a gathering ground for polar bears waiting for the sea ice to form. Spot them from a tundra buggy or on a guided walking safari – a raw, unforgettable encounter.

• Beluga whales in Hudson Bay: In summer, thousands of belugas fill the waters near Churchill. Join a zodiac or kayak excursion to see (and hear) these playful, vocal whales up close in crystal-clear subarctic waters.

• Northern Lights in Churchill: Thanks to its northern location and lack of light pollution, Churchill offers some of the most consistent aurora borealis displays in Canada – especially between January and March.

• The Forks, Winnipeg: A historic meeting place for more than 6,000 years, The Forks is now a lively riverside hub with markets, galleries, cafés and walking trails along the Red and Assiniboine rivers.

• Canadian Museum for Human Rights: This architecturally striking museum in Winnipeg explores global human rights through powerful, immersive exhibitions. The views from the Tower of Hope are equally compelling.

• Winnipeg’s Exchange District: A beautifully preserved 20th-century warehouse district turned creative quarter. Think independent galleries, design studios, theatres and some of the best food in the city.